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Sporanox

Generic name: itraconazole [IT-ra-KON-a-zole]
Drug class: Azole antifungals

What is Sporanox?

Sporanox is an antifungal drug that combats infections caused by fungal growths. Sporanox treats infections caused by fungi in adults. This fungus can affect any part of the human body, including the lungs or mouth, the toenails, or the fingernails. Sporanox may be safe and effective for children, but this is unknown.

Warnings

Sporanox should not be taken if you've ever suffered from heart failure. If liver or kidney disease is present, do not take Sporanox in conjunction with colchicine or fesoterodine. Itraconazole can harm an unborn child. Do not get pregnant for at least 2 months after taking your last dose of itraconazole.

Sporanox should be stopped immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, mucusy cough, rapid heartbeats or swelling, rapid weight gain, or sleep disturbances. Itraconazole can cause life-threatening side effects when taken with other medications. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking and those that you have started or stopped using.

Itraconazole can interact with many drugs, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken together. Included in this are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Sporanox can cause side effects, so tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking and any you stop or start using.

Before you take this drug

Sporanox should not be taken if the patient is allergic to itraconazole, similar medications such as fluconazole and ketoconazole, or has ever suffered from congestive cardiac failure.

Sporanox can cause life-threatening side effects when taken with other medications. If you have taken other medications in the last 2 weeks, your doctor may alter your treatment plan.

  • Avanafil;
  • Cisapride;
  • Eliglustat;
  • Irinotecan;
  • Isavuconazonium;
  • Methadone;
  • Naloxegol;
  • Ranolazine;
  • Ticagrelor;
  • Lurasidone or pimozide (antipsychotic medications);
  • Lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicines);
  • Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, or methylergonovine (ergot medicines);
  • Eplerenone, felodipine, ivabradine, or nisoldipine.
  • Disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, or quinidine are all medicines for heart rhythm disorders.
  • Oral midazolam or triazolam (valium-like sedatives).

If your liver or kidneys are damaged, do not take Sporanox along with colchicine or any of the following: fesoterodine or solifenacin.

Itraconazole can harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control while taking this medication and for 2 months following your last dose. As soon as you discover you've become pregnant, contact your physician immediately.

Sporanox may not be safe for you if:

  • Heart problems
  • Lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • A weak immune system.

Breastfeeding while taking itraconazole may not be recommended. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.

Itraconazole may pass into breast milk and affect nursing babies. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility.

Similar/related drugs

Ciprofloxacin, Augmentin, Fluconazole, Amoxicillin/clavulanate, Topical Nystatin, and Clotrimazole

How to take Sporanox?

Sporanox should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms. Sporanox capsules can be taken with or without food. Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.

Take the liquid oral solution at least an hour before or two hours after eating. Swish the liquid around in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Utilize either the provided dosing device or another appropriate dose-measuring tool (not spoon) to accurately administer liquid medication.

The pulsepak comes with a special schedule of dosing that involves not taking the medicine for several days in a row. Please follow all instructions for dosing. If your doctor prescribed itraconazole liquid, you should not use Sporanox. To avoid medication errors, only use the strength and form prescribed by your doctor. Sporanox should be taken with non-diet coke if you are also taking a stomach acid reducer.

Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. Skipping doses could leave your infection resistant to treatment, potentially leading to further complications. Itraconazole does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold. You may require frequent medical tests. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If it's almost time for your next dose, do not double up on both medication. Never take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. Avoid taking antacids 1 hour before or after you take Sporanox. Antacids may make it more difficult for your body to absorb itraconazole.

Side effects of Sporanox

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, severe skin reactions, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately: Feeling tired or short of breath, mucusy cough; fast heartbeats or swelling; rapid weight gain; or sleep issues

Continue taking Sporanox, but contact your doctor immediately if:

  • A feeling of confusion or light-headedness (like you could pass out);
  • Double vision, blurred vision, ringing ears, hearing problems
  • Fast heartbeats;
  • Loss of bladder control, numbness, and tingling;
  • There is little or no urinating; there may be pain or burning in the urinal area.
  • Low sodium level; cramps in the legs; constipation; increased thirst and urination;
  • Pancreatitis is characterized by severe abdominal pain that can spread to the back. Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms.
  • Liver disease: nausea; upper stomach pains; fatigue; loss of appetite; dark-colored urine; clay-colored stool; jaundice.

Sporanox may cause side effects such as:

  • Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Rash, itching;
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
  • Swelling;
  • Atypical liver function or blood test results;
  • Fever, joint, or muscle pain
  • Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Hair loss;
  • Impotence, erection problems,
  • Changes in your menstrual cycle

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.

Itraconazole can interact with many drugs, so it is important to avoid using certain drugs at the same time. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have stopped using. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

CSA Schedule*
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